CHENGDU — A giant panda gave birth to twins on June 20 in Chengdu city, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province, the first twins this year anywhere in the world, according to the breeding base.

Ya Li delivered the first cub at 5:52 a.m. and the second ten minutes later at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The cubs, both female, weigh 144 grams and 113 grams.

The mother started to show reduced appetite on May 22 and became restless days later, before exhibiting prenatal behavior on June 19, said Yang Kuixing with the base.

Ya Li was born with her twin sister Wen Li in July 2009. She also has a younger sister and a younger brother.

Photo taken on June 20, 2016 shows one of the giant panda twins at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on June 20, 2016 shows one of the giant panda twins at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on June 20, 2016 shows one of the giant panda twins at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on June 20, 2016 shows one of the giant panda twins at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua]